Meryl Streep “Amazing” As Margaret Thatcher, Film’s Writer Says

, the actress who currently holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations (16), is being called “amazing” for her portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in the upcoming biopic, The Iron Lady.

During the film, which was penned by Abi Morgan and is set for a January 2012 release, the two-time Oscar winner takes the lead role as the former British Prime Minister alongside Jim Broadbent as her screen husband Denis.

“It was amazing working with Meryl – once again, she’s another dream actress, and a real privilege to write about such an extraordinary woman,” Abi said, adding “I’m really excited. They’re laying the music down at the moment. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

Morgan- who promoted her latest film Shame at the BFI London Film Festival – said it was “an exceptional privilege” to watch Meryl in the early stages.

“The extraordinary thing is how quickly that voice was there,” she told the Guardian.

To prepare for the big role, Streep reportedly sat through a session at the House of Commons in January 2011, visited Thatcher’s childhood home in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and is planning to meet the former PM’s daughter Carol Thatcher, 57.

Speaking of her role, Meryl told BBC earlier this year:

“The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge. I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervor and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses – I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own.”

In addition to Streep and Broadbent, The Iron Lady,” directed by Phyllida Lloyd, also stars Richard E. Grant, Anthony Head and Andrew Havill.